Henri Matisse Art Project Art And Write Artist Study Collage Lesson Art Activity

This Henri Matisse Art and Write resource is an artist study lesson with Non-Fiction, Fiction and Opinion writing built in. Students learn about Henri Matisse and his love of bold color, simple shapes and cut-out style artwork, create their own Matisse-inspired piece, and then write and reflect about it.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want to bring art and literacy together. Students create a bold artwork with a central figure, bright painted shapes, cut paper forms, strong outlines and a lively composition. The Quick-Pick Reference Images page lets them choose the main figure, surrounding shapes and leaf-like forms, so every piece turns out a little different.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• 1 cover page
• 1 About the Art & Write Resource page
• 1 How to Use the Art & Write Resource page
• 2 lesson plan pages
• 1 standards page
• 1 Warm-Up Art Challenge page
• 1 student reading page about the artist
• 2 rubric pages
• 1 The Message writing reflection page
• 1 Artwork Reflection page
• 1 Artist Mindsets page
• Artist statement pages
• Exit ticket page
• 1 Quick-Pick Reference Images page
• 1 Rough Draft page
• 1 artwork planning/example page
• 1 full-page example artwork page
• PDF step-by-step tutorial
• PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial
• Non-Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Opinion writing pages
• Blank writing pages
• Two versions of writing paper to support different learner needs

HOW TO USE IT

Students start with the Warm-Up Art Challenge, read about the artist, and then create their artwork. Model the project yourself or project the PDF or PowerPoint tutorial for the whole class, which also makes it a good option for sub plans. The example uses oil pastel, watercolor paint and construction paper for the cut-out shapes, but you can use whatever materials work for your class.

After the art is finished, students write about the mood or message in their work, what they learned, goals for future artwork and their own creative process. The writing pages and two versions of writing paper let you adjust the amount of structure for different learners.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Henri Matisse art lesson with writing and reflection included. It suits upper elementary art, middle school art and homeschool art.

Does it include a step-by-step tutorial?

Yes. It includes both a PDF step-by-step tutorial and a PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial.

Can I use my own art materials?

Yes. The example artwork uses oil pastel, watercolor paint and construction paper, and you can adapt it to your supplies.

Does it include student choice?

Yes. The Quick-Pick Reference Images let students choose the figure, shapes and details so their final artwork feels unique.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is for single educator use only.

YOU MAY: use this resource with your own students. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic